Shipping Fragile Items
Shipping fragile items starts with proper packing. Preparing glassware or other fragile items for shipping is a simple, straight-forward procedure. You will need the following supplies:
- A box: You will need a sturdy plastic bin or cardboard box.
- Tape: Standard packing tape is fine, though heavier items may require reinforced tape.
- Paper for wrapping: Recycled newspaper is great for this and best of all, free!
- Bubble wrap: Bubble wrap adds an additional layer of protection.
- Packaging material: foam peanuts, popcorn(air-popped) or puffed corn starch pellets
How to Ship Breakables
Some glass items require slightly different packaging, but the approach is the same:
- Wrap the item in one layer of paper, then multiple layers of bubble wrap. Secure the wrapping with a piece of tape.
- Prep your box with a layer of packaging material on the bottom.
- Set the wrapped piece in the box and fill the remaining space tightly with packing material.
- Seal the box and give it a light shake to ensure there is no movement. If movement occurs, open the box and add more packing material. If all is well, use a few strips of tape to ensure a solid seal.
If more protection is desired, employ the two-box packing method: Follow the above steps and place the finished box in a larger box filled packaging material to prevent movement of the inner box.
If you have multiple items, separate boxes are preferable, though not always feasible. If you package multiple items in one box, make sure the heaviest items go in first and that each item is individually wrapped.
